So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" - John 12:13 (ESV)
On that bright Sunday morning so many years ago, Jesus mounted the donkey colt in the little town of Bethany at the top of the Mount of Olives for the two mile trip into Jerusalem. The crowds were gathering and approaching, as the news of his arrival had preceded him. The Kings of Kings, approaching the appointed hour when he would die a most horrible death, chose a lowly donkey as his means of travel. And instead of fine and rich carpeting for his path, he rode into the City of God on a bed of palm fronds, a fitting symbol for this simple man destined to change the world, not by the power of man made government but by the word of God.
His entry was cheered by thousands, yet the High Priest and his minions watched carefully, threatened by his very presence and plotting in earnest to destroy him when the opportunity came. That would come on Wednesday when Judas Escariot would betray him for a mere thirty sheckels in coins. How amazing that God chose to write the script to the Greatest Story Ever Told in such a way, ever mindful that His Son, Jesus Christ, would exemplify simplicity in life, truth and virtue in word and deed, and ultimately leave behind after his death to come the greatest gift that humankind could ever be given: the gift of forgiveness and the opportunity for eternal life.
As we enter another Holy Week with all of the trials, tribulations which culminate in victory on Easter Sunday, remember what was done for us. For at the moment of Christ's death on Good Friday, each of us, past, present and future are forgiven of our sins. To accept this wonderful gift, all we need to do is believe in him by faith. What a wonderful miracle this Man-God has provided for us. Hallelujah!
On that bright Sunday morning so many years ago, Jesus mounted the donkey colt in the little town of Bethany at the top of the Mount of Olives for the two mile trip into Jerusalem. The crowds were gathering and approaching, as the news of his arrival had preceded him. The Kings of Kings, approaching the appointed hour when he would die a most horrible death, chose a lowly donkey as his means of travel. And instead of fine and rich carpeting for his path, he rode into the City of God on a bed of palm fronds, a fitting symbol for this simple man destined to change the world, not by the power of man made government but by the word of God.
His entry was cheered by thousands, yet the High Priest and his minions watched carefully, threatened by his very presence and plotting in earnest to destroy him when the opportunity came. That would come on Wednesday when Judas Escariot would betray him for a mere thirty sheckels in coins. How amazing that God chose to write the script to the Greatest Story Ever Told in such a way, ever mindful that His Son, Jesus Christ, would exemplify simplicity in life, truth and virtue in word and deed, and ultimately leave behind after his death to come the greatest gift that humankind could ever be given: the gift of forgiveness and the opportunity for eternal life.
As we enter another Holy Week with all of the trials, tribulations which culminate in victory on Easter Sunday, remember what was done for us. For at the moment of Christ's death on Good Friday, each of us, past, present and future are forgiven of our sins. To accept this wonderful gift, all we need to do is believe in him by faith. What a wonderful miracle this Man-God has provided for us. Hallelujah!
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